Everton will look to keep their slim European hopes alive when they welcome Sunderland to the Hill Dickinson Stadium in their penultimate Premier League game of the season.
The Toffees are just a point above their Sunday rivals in the league standings.
Match Preview
Everton have exceeded expectations under manager David Moyes, who has transformed the club’s fortunes.
But their form has hit the buffers in recent weeks, with the club winless in their last five league encounters.
The Toffees suffered back-to-back losses against Liverpool and West Ham United after conceding injury-time winners.
Moyes’ men were on course to pick up maximum points against Manchester City, but a late collapse ultimately saw them sharing the spoils with the title contenders.
Everton dropped two more points last weekend in their pursuit of a European place, as they played out a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park.
Now the Merseyside outfit will take on Sunderland in their final home game of the season.
The Black Cats are coming off a goalless draw against Manchester United.
Regis Le Bris’ side created several scoring opportunities in the home game last Saturday, but lack of finishing meant they ultimately had to settle for a draw.
Team News
Everton have no new injury worries following the 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace. But Idrissa Gueye’s availability is doubtful on Sunday after he missed the trip to Selhurst Park due to a minor injury.
As for Sunderland, Daniel Ballard will not play again this season, as the club failed with an appeal over his red card against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Everton vs Sunderland potential line-ups
Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Iroegbunam; Rohl, Dewsbury-Ball, Ndiaye; Beto
Sunderland: Roefs; Geertruida, Mukiele, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fee, Talbi; Brobbey
Everton vs Sunderland prediction
Everton haven’t kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since their 3–0 victory against Chelsea in March.
Sunderland will look to capitalise on the Toffees’ recent defensive woes, but we still believe the home team will come out on top, with Beto enjoying a rich vein of form.
Everton 2-1 Sunderland